Flavour of Meeting of Harlow TUC 10 November 2000

It was pleasing to report that Danny Purton had been reinstated to his job (see report below). However, there was still some disquiet at the lack of clarification by Harlow Council to the local press and of the delay in fully vindicating Danny.

Flavour of October's TUC meeting:- Considerable concern was expressed at the suspension of Danny Purton from his Harlow Council job at half hours notice. Danny is a prominant trade union activist not only in Harlow Council UNISON branch but also with Harlow TUC over the past 3 decades and in the trade union movement generally, both locally and nationally. With the Council reporting the suspension in the local press and with financial impropriety not being specifically ruled out (there was none), it could be interpreted as a smear not only on Danny himself but also on the local trade union movement. Harlow TUC has complete confidence that Danny will be fully vindicated (we have some background knowledge to the spurious allegations) and agreed to give full backing to his UNISON branch in their fight to get him reinstated.

There was a report-back from the organizing committee of next May's "Carnival Against Capitalism". The committee decided that it would not change its name. The organizers are clear that Harlow TUC will have nothing to do with this event, and why (see report below). Discussion took place on what measures could be put in place to celebrate May Day, possibly by arranging transport to an event outside of the town. It was not felt wise in the circumstances to arrange an alternative event in Harlow.

Flavour of October's TUC meeting:- There was a request for Harlow TUC to be involved in the organizing committee for next May Day's festivities in the town. We had reluctantly agreed to support it last May (at short notice) despite the organizing committee refusing to change its name from 'Carnival against Capitalism' to something more positive. General agreement was that May Day (being workers day) is meant to be a positive event, pointing to a better type of society. It is also meant to be a celebration of the struggles of the organized working class to this end. With plenty of time before next May, it was decided that we would only support the event next year provided it changed its name to something better reflecting the nature of the day. The organizing committee would be informed of this decision and requested to change its name accordingly.

There was a full discussion on the problems resulting from the privatisation of the Railways. It was agreed to send a Resolution to the Harlow Labour Party stating "Harlow Labour Party call on the Labour Government to renationalise the railways and requests our MP to push for this in Parliament."

It was felt that Labour and Trade Union activists have been rather dispersed over the past year or so, and Harlow TUC felt it was important to get people back together again and talking. A possible vehicle for this could be a Christmas Party for children followed by a social event at the Labour Club. Preliminary discussions had taken place with the Labour Party and local trade unions. There will be a 'Family Christmas Celebration' at the Labour Social Club on Friday 15 December with a Children's Party (5-7) followed by a Family Party (7-11)

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